His wife grasped his elbow and he unclenched his fists, his body relaxing.
Marginally.
“It’s all right, Gabriel. We’re safe now.” She gave him a smile, which he did not return.
“And you will remain so.”
Raven wiped her hands on her pants again and studied her feet.
She’d intruded on something she didn’t understand, a private conversation between a protective husband and father and his family. She found herself strangely moved by his intensity. It had been a long time since someone had been protective of her. It had been a long time since she’d had a father.
“We can walk indoors.” The woman referred to as Katherine turned toward Vitali. “Perhaps you’ll assign us a guide. Would that be acceptable, Gabriel?”
It seemed clear from her tone that she was annoyed, but she seemed determined not to argue with him.
Raven lifted her eyes and saw Gabriel nodding in a restrained manner.
“Then it’s settled. Now, if you’ll be so kind as to find us a guide, I’ll take Clare for a walk.” Katherine gave Vitali an expectant look, almost as if he were a concierge rather than the director of the Uffizi Gallery.
Raven half expected Katherine to begin tapping her conservatively shod foot.
Vitali motioned Raven forward.
“Mrs. Emerson would like a tour of the restoration lab. Please escort her downstairs and introduce her to Professor Urbano. He’s expecting her.”
Raven blinked.
Vitali’s eyes narrowed. “Miss Wood?”
Raven’s anxieties at being summoned to the director’s office because she’d copied files without permission began to lessen.
She cleared her throat. “A tour? Yes, of course. Of course. Thank you.”
She paused, wondering if he was going to bring up the flash drive or mention anything about the robbery. She wondered if news of her mid-night visit to Palazzo Riccardi had somehow come to his attention.
Vitali sat back in his chair and lifted the telephone, requesting that his assistant send one of the security guards to his office, that an important guest needed an escort.
Raven exhaled in relief.
Julia kissed her husband, patting him on the shoulder, before retrieving her purse and moving to Raven’s side. Gabriel followed his wife’s movements with a look of concern, his long fingers curving into fists once again.
With a nod, Vitali dismissed Raven, announcing that Katherine’s guide would appear momentarily.
Raven was not about to delay and so led Julia to the hall. Julia trailed behind her, limping.
Raven stopped. “Are you hurt?”
“Not really. When I had Clare, I had an epidural. I’ve had nerve issues in my right leg and foot ever since. It’s acting up today.” She forced a smile, but appeared distressed.
Raven moved closer, noticing that Julia was wearing flat, comfortable shoes.
“Should I get a wheelchair?”
“It isn’t that bad. Today my foot is numb so I’m having trouble walking.”
“I’m sorry.” Raven’s expression was sympathetic. “I broke my leg once. There was nerve damage. Whenever the weather changes, I have pain.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Julia started walking again, slowly. “I’m lucky my leg only acts up periodically. I’m told the numbness will go away eventually.”
“We’ll take the elevator.” Raven gestured to the far end of the hall.
“I know it’s short notice, but I wanted to see the restoration work before we left.” Julia spoke in low tones as they passed a few people in the hallway.
“No problem.” Raven watched her from the corner of her eye. “I thought you were staying in Florence for a week.”
“Our plans have changed.” Julia’s expression grew grave. “We’re checking out of the hotel this afternoon and going to Umbria.”
“Umbria is beautiful.”
Raven was distracted, thinking about what had occurred in the archives. It was possible the security guards hadn’t noticed what she’d done. Maybe she’d implicated Patrick for no reason. She’d have to warn him.
“Have you heard any rumors about the Gallery Hotel Art being haunted?” Julia’s voice intruded on Raven’s thoughts.
She turned her head to meet Julia’s eyes. “Haunted? No. I always thought it was peculiar their restaurant served Japanese food, but I haven’t heard anything about the hotel being haunted. Why do you ask?”
Julia fidgeted with her purse strap. “This is going to sound strange, but my husband thinks there’s a ghost in the hotel. That’s why we’re leaving.”
Raven’s eyebrows shot up. “A ghost? Why does he think that?”